The Cornish Magical Society’s Annual Dinner. “On Saturday the 21st March the Cornish Magical Society held its 54th Annual Dinner. 48 members and guests sat down to a three-course meal and were entertained by close-up magic at the tables from members of the society. In welcoming the guests, Brian Adams, the outgoing president, was especially pleased to welcome Peter Penwarden one of the society’s founding members. In his speech, Brian paid tribute to Paul Scott for the support he has given to the Society in a number of ways but particularly for his service as Secretary for the past 21 years. In recognition of his contribution, Brian announced that Paul was to be awarded honorary life membership of the society. Martin Daniels responded on behalf of the guests by bringing warm wishes from Paul Daniels (the Cornish Magic Society’s Honorary Vice President) and wishing the society a long and prosperous future. The cabaret was provided by Martin Daniels (photo) who entertained the audience with a mixture of comedy and magic. He got a number of guests involved with his antics on stage ensuring that we all had a night to remember.” Brian Adams – President of the Cornish Magical Society. 28.3.15

Gary Jones at the Cornish Magical Society

On Sunday March 15, members of the Cornish Magical Society were treated to an entertaining lecture by Gary Jones. This was a very welcome return to the Society by Gary and there was a good turnout by the members who knew they were in for a treat. It was a very entertaining afternoon as Gary held the floor for just over two hours and could certainly have kept us entertained and informed for much longer had circumstances allowed.

Gary concentrated on the importance of misdirection and timing and making full use of the off-beat. These important principles were demonstrated by numerous tricks and effects from Gary’s working repertoire involving, coins, rope, cards, cups and balls and, seemingly, anything he could lay his hands on. During the short tea break and following the end of his lecture, Gary was more than happy to go over things again or develop ideas further.

On behalf of the Cornish Magical Society – thanks Gary!

Brian Adams – President

Paul Stockman lecture

53rd ANNUAL DINNER

On the evening of March 22, 90 members and guests attended the Cornish Magical Society’s 53rd Annual Dinner at the Membly Hall Hotel in Falmouth. The Dinner was dedicated to the memory of Joan Burford a long-term member, past President and Treasurer of the Society who sadly passed away on Boxing Day. Before the meal, members entertained their guests with close up magic at their tables. Once coffee had been served the President, Jon Martin, welcomed the guests and announced that the guest of honour, Paul Daniels, had kindly agreed to become an Honorary Vice President of the Society. To mark the occasion Jon presented Paul with an engraved magic wand. Jon then invited the members of the society to raise a toast to the guests. In replying on behalf of the guests, Paul said he was very pleased to be associated with the Society as Cornwall was where he had started his professional career. He then spoke for a very entertaining few minutes as he recalled some of the incidents from his life in magic. This was followed by a short eulogy for Joan Burford from Paul Scott, the immediate Past President.

The cabaret was by none other than the Society’s new honorary vice president. The audience were treated to a number of tricks and effects from Paul’s extensive repertoire which were all served up with a good helping of humour. Guests were called up to assist from time to time which enhanced both the magic and the humour. Those of us who had seen Paul during his recent tour had the opportunity to see some of the effects he had used then such as: the Linking Rings (calling up a young girl to help him); Bill Abbot’s Bad Ass (which involved an imaginary toilet – you had to be there!); and Dean Dill’s Box which stunned the audience to silence. However, there was so much more and, unfortunately, a short review like this can’t possibly do justice to the evening. Everyone agreed that this had been a fantastic show by one of the greats.

The Cornish Magical Society would like to thank Paul for agreeing to become their Honorary Vice President. We would also like to thank the Membly Hall Hotel for looking after us so well on the night.

It is with great sadness that I report the shock passing on Boxing Day of Joan Burford. With her husband George, they performed as the Burfords for many years. In latter years she retired to Falmouth in Cornwall and she became a member of the Cornish Magical Society of which she was Treasurer up until last year. A great friend of Edwin’s she helped out on the Supreme Days of Magic. Her knowledge of magic was second to none and her enthusiasm never ceased. Joan was one of the nicest, kindest people you could ever wish to meet and her passing is a great loss. RIP Joan. Paul Scott